Gabriella Stein '18 Recruiting Profile

Although playing field hockey has been a huge part of my life and has shaped me in many ways, I have learned more about being a team player from sitting on the bench than being on the field. During my Junior year high school season, there was one goalie from each grade. So, like every other year, the senior and junior went to varsity while the freshman and sophomore were placed on JV. Though I was the junior, I went into this season with the mindset that I was the starting keeper. Little did I know that I would only get about 1 1/2 games worth of playing time the whole season! Right away, my mind made a 180° turn, and I became frustrated with myself and the situation  I was in.  After a few practices and one game, I realized that I wasn't enjoying the season. But I loved field hockey, why should the amount of time that I got on the field on a Wednesday night dictate my appreciation and care for my coach and teammates? So, within that week I decided to make a change. No matter if it was a practice or a scrimmage, I worked my hardest. And I made a promise to myself that at every game I would cheer all my teammates on, especially the one in my position, no matter what the score was. My team’s morale boosted as we cheered them on, and we felt more like a family. My experience this past season has shaped me into the player I am. I will always cheer my team on, no matter what the circumstances and how much playing time I get.